Tuesday, 29 November 2016

True, the concept of Britain dates back to Roman times, but it
was James I that founded Britain in the modern sense. With his accession
to the throne in 1603 for the first time Scotland, England, Wales and
Ireland were united - with James bestowing on himself the title of 'King
of Great Britain'. Before this time, Scots and Irishmen may have served
in the English Army as mercenaries, but it was known as an English Army
- but now the King's (or British) flag flew over the castles and forts
throughout the land. The army raised by Charles I in 1625 for his war
against Spain -and subsequently, with France - is most famous for its
failure. However, it is one of the best-documented armies of the early
17th century. Using archival and archaeological evidence, the first half
of the book covers the lives of the officers and men serving in the
army at this time - as well as the women who accompanied them. The
author discusses the origins of officers and why they decided to serve
in the army - and how the men from England, Scotland and Ireland were
recruited (as well as how they were clothed and what they ate; the
medical care; and the tactics used by the army at this time). It also
covers the hidden faction of tailors, armourers and merchants who helped
to put the army into the field. The second half of the book covers not
only the expeditions to Cadiz, the Isle de Rhe and the siege of La
Rochelle, but also their effect on an England who feared a Spanish (and
later a French) invasion. Also covered are the campaigns of Count Ernest
von Mansfeldt's and Sir Charles Morgan's armies at this time, which
fought at Breda, Dessau Bridge and against the forces of the Holy Roman
Empire. The final chapter looks at what became of the soldiers and their
widows once the army had been disbanded - therefore, the book will be
essential reading for anyone interested in Early Modern History,
including the English Civil War and the Thirty Years War.

Artist

Jacques Callot

Wednesday, 23 November 2016

Apologies for the early timeline on this one but I like these photos so indulge me. Back in '88 we - my family and Devereux's Regiment ECWS did a weeks' living history recreating the Armada in the Hampshire countryside. My family and I had the job of looking after some St Kilda
Sheep and talking about the wool trade. My hat (a brimmed Monmouth) I bought off the famous
Kirstie Buckland who came to demonstrate some of her knitting prowess. My parents came and took a load of photos which was lucky as most reenactors know you don't get to take many pictures usually. We had a lot of fun and had a not for public peasant's revolt at the end of the week when the gypsies charcoal burners and country folk attacked the Militia. Well you have to have a bit of fun at the end of the week... More photos of this event

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

But this GNW book is all in Russian! Fear not an English version is in the pipline. It's a well illustrated in depth study of the campaign of Narva.Rematch of Peter the great. Battle of Narva and Ivangoroda Russians troops in 1704 year. Author: B. Megorsky Year of publication: 2016 The Series "the battlefields of the great northern war".
In the book, investigated the outstanding siege operation forces of
Peter the great - the battle of narva fortresses and ivangorod in 1704
year. Timeline of events is accompanied by an explanation of
lesser-known aspects of the military the beginning of the eighteenth
century, the story of the participants alls narvskoy epic, as well as
the simultaneous events in other parts of Europe. Book Illustrated by
pouring rare original prints and cards.